Cash Assistance Restores Hope Amidst Difficult Living Conditions in Lebanon
With the escalation of wars and conflicts in the world and the Middle East, the Lebanese people are suffering from economic, social and health crises... which are casting a shadow over the country. Therefore, many citizens are facing daily challenges, especially since many of them live alone without a source of income or support to help them secure their basic needs.
For its part, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is seeking, since its founding, to heal the wounds of the neediest and affected people due to the difficult living conditions through humanitarian programs that it implements during the year. In this context, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, recently distributed new multipurpose cash assistance to 975 Households which included female-headed households and elderly who are living alone and who do not have anyone to turn to.
In this context, this program contributed to helping beneficiaries located in areas such as Mount Lebanon, the South, Akkar, and Beirut, purchase the necessary supplies, and hence restoring hope to their lives, strengthening their faith and thus enhancing their sense of respect, comfort, and joy. As well as, home visits by MECC team or Church representatives were carried out to those unable to leave their house. They were assisted in the collection of the money by cashing the amount from OMT services and delivering it directly to the beneficiaries.
Hence, the beneficiaries expressed their joy for this aid, and some of them said “You gave me hope that I would be safe for five months. I don't know what to say except may God protect you”, “I am very grateful for your help, and everyone who contacted me was with the highest level of politeness and respect”, “Thank you for lighting a candle in the middle of darkness”, I will pay it directly for the fees of the school. Actually, I am cleaning houses as work to secure all my kid’s needs. Thank you a lot…”
Noting that this assistance was made with the support of the international humanitarian organization “Norwegian Church Aid” (NCA), and the selection of beneficiaries was done through local Churches and religious and civil organizations.